Recent unemployment figures show New Hampshire has nearly the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 2.6 percent. But some Republicans said that a right-to-work law would further fuel the economy.

The legislation would allow workers to join union shops without joining the union or paying dues. It was passed in 2011, but then-Gov. John Lynch vetoed it.

With Gov. Maggie Hassan launching a Senate campaign, Republican candidates hoping to claim the position said they're in favor of right-to-work.

"I voted for right-to-work in the Senate, so my position is pretty clear," Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas said.

"I don't think it will damage the economy," state Sen. Jeanie Forrester said. "I think it's a good place for New Hampshire to be, and I would support that if it came forward again."

"We haven't brought a major business into the state in eight years," Executive Councilor Chris Sununu said. "Right-to-work is part (of the solution)."

Democrats said right-to-work is an attack on unions that results in lower pay for workers, which hurts the economy.

"Republican candidates are talking about having people work for less money, while Democratic candidates are talking about ways to expand opportunity," Hassan said.

The success of right-to-work legislation will depend on the next House and Senate, so the November election will be pivotal for the idea.

Twenty-six states have passed right-to-work law. The most recent is West Virginia, which approved the measure in February.